Memory Walks: Digital art student signs up for her gran

THE wait for this year’s Memory Walks is nearly over – and they’re on track to be the biggest ever.

The first of 20 walks being held around the country takes place this Saturday at Milngavie Water Works in East Dunbartonshire.

We’ve been telling you all about the great work that Alzheimer Scotland does thanks to fundraising from Memory Walks and Sunday Post readers have responded brilliantly by signing up in huge numbers.

Sign-ups have increased by 40% on last year and there is still plenty of time to show your support for a Memory Walk near you between now and the final event on October 1.

Caitlin Mooney has the distinction of not only taking part in the first walk at Milngavie but also being the 1000th sign-up.

She’s walking in memory of her gran, Doris Coyle, who passed away last June aged 84 after living with dementia for eight years.

The 22-year-old will take part with her mum Leonie, aunt Marguerite and the family dog, Finn.

“My gran was a great wee woman and very independent,” Caitlin smiled.

“When she was diagnosed with dementia, it was important to her to remain independent.

“My mum, aunt and uncle, along with carers, looked after her to make sure she could remain at home. I always try to see the bright side, so it wasn’t hard for me seeing my gran like that – I liked finding new ways to help her.

“We didn’t really know much about Alzheimer Scotland before but what happened spurred us on to do a Memory Walk last year and we’re really looking forward to doing it again.”

Student Caitlin is in fourth year of a digital art course at the University of the West of Scotland and has put her skills to good use, helping Alzheimer Scotland with a social media campaign and producing animation for the charity.

She added: “Roughly 90% of my university projects are about Alzheimer Scotland and I’m hoping to begin a project this year using virtual reality headsets to spark memories in people with dementia.”

Catherine Thomas, head of fundraising for Alzheimer Scotland, is delighted with the response so far.

“We have been thrilled with the numbers of people who been signing up to our Memory Walk programme this year,” she said.

“Together with The Sunday Post readers we have already surpassed the 1000th sign-up to help raise vital funds for dementia.

“We need thousands of people to walk with us to challenge dementia once and for all.

“Our Memory Walks bring together people from communities across Scotland to share and celebrate someone special.

“From small children to grandparents and the beloved pet dog, Memory Walks see whole families coming together to help support dementia.

“There’s still plenty of time to sign up to one of our 20 walks up and down the country which will help us to challenge dementia, celebrate loved ones and enjoy a fantastic day out in the beautiful Scottish outdoors.”

Visit memorywalksscotland.org to sign up to your local Memory Walk now.

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